The Social Welfare Study Program at UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta remains committed to enhancing students’ professional competencies through direct social work practice at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels. One of its concrete initiatives is a collaboration with the Indonesian Zakat Initiative (IZI) Yogyakarta Patient Shelter, conducted over one semester from March 4 to the end of June 2025.

The program was designed to provide students with hands-on experience in addressing social issues, ranging from individual assistance (micro), group interventions (mezzo), to policy and social program interventions (macro). Over the four-month period, students actively participated in various IZI programs, including assisting underprivileged patients, developing social rehabilitation programs, and strengthening networks with relevant stakeholders.

“This field practice serves as an important platform for students to sharpen their practical skills while gaining a deeper understanding of the complexities of social problems in society,” said Khotibul Umam, the supervising lecturer. “The collaboration with IZI Yogyakarta also provides students with opportunities to make meaningful contributions to community empowerment.”

The IZI Yogyakarta Patient Shelter was selected as a partner institution because of its strong focus on healthcare services and social support for patients from low-income families. Through this initiative, students were able not only to learn theoretical concepts, but also to directly implement the core values of social work practice.

“We are greatly supported by the presence of the students. They bring fresh ideas and positive energy to our programs,” said a representative from IZI Yogyakarta.

It is hoped that this initiative will not only strengthen students’ competencies, but also reinforce the synergy between academia and social institutions in promoting better social welfare development for the community.